Cudicini wanted U.S. move long before the Galaxy called

The 39-year-old said he considered a move to MLS for many years before joining the LA Galaxy this January.

By Zac Lee Rigg

Jan 25, 2013 4:25:00 AM

CARSON, Calif. – The seeds for Carlo Cudicini's move to the United
States lay dormant for many years before sprouting into a transfer
to the LA Galaxy this January.

The former Tottenham and Chelsea goalkeeper has played in the
English Premier League for more than a decade since leaving Italy.
Preseason trips to the United States initially spawned the desire
to one day play across the Atlantic.

"In my mind, I always thought it'd be a very good experience to
come here, since basically I started coming here as a preseason
with Chelsea," Cudicini said to a clutch of reporters in the belly
of the Home Depot Center. "I love the atmosphere, I love the sport
culture that you have here in the U.S. So I always thought if I had
an opportunity to come here, I would have taken it."

Then, a year and a half ago, former U.S. national team goalkeeper
Brad Friedel joined Cudicini at Tottenham. The two struck up a
close friendship and often gabbed about Major League Soccer.

"He's a great supporter," Cudicini said. "We keep in touch; we
message and talk on the phone. He's a great lad.

"We were discussing results and discussing what was going on here.
Especially when he arrived at Tottenham I was following [MLS] a
lot."

So the Italian was already receptive when former Spurs teammate
Robbie Keane put the Galaxy in touch with him. Cudicini had grown
frustrated at his inability to win back the starting spot at
Tottenham following a motorcycle accident three years ago. The lure
of a new adventure combined with his dissatisfaction sealed the
decision.

"It happened in a moment when I wasn't that happy at Tottenham, so
I think the two things are perfectly matching," Cudicini said.
"That's why I'm here."

The 39-year-old mentioned that the Galaxy's recent success
sweetened the deal. Los Angeles won the last two MLS Cups with Josh
Saunders in goal. However, Saunders' contract expired during the
offseason, and head coach Bruce Arena opted for the experienced
replacement despite Cudicini's growing age.

"I think age is just a number," Cudicini said. "It depends on how
you feel, your body feels."

His experience should assist in the transition for the returning
backline, even as Cudicini transitions to life in the United
States. Cudicini is currently looking for a house – it is only the
first week of preseason – and expects his girlfriend to join him in
Los Angeles next month.

"It's a bit different," he said. "When I moved to England, I was
26. Of course when you're 26 it's different. You don't realize the
difficulties you can have moving countries, the language and stuff.
At 40 you see more of these things."

By now, Cudicini has seen plenty. His soccer background is rich.
His grandfather was a professional left back, and his father played
in goal for AC Milan.

"He's a good experienced goalkeeper," Arena said. "You'll see more
once we start getting into games. I sense he'll be very good in
organizing our backline, and he'll be technically very good in
goal, too."

Arena will just have to steer him clear of any motorcycles, not
that they are in Cudicini's plans. "Not at the moment," Cudicini
joked.